The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Paul Joseph Forte (ASN: 35870613), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the Philippine Islands, on 23 April 1945. During the course of the attack on the northwest side of Mount Pacawagan, Sergeant Forte assumed the leadership of his squad when the squad leader was wounded. Working his unit through intense enemy fire, he directed the squad into effective firing positions from which fire could be promptly placed upon the Japanese. During the course of the advance, three members of the organization were seriously wounded and lay exposed to hostile fire. Sergeant Forte, disregarding the heavy enemy fire, courageously crept forward and dragged two of the wounded men back to the line of safety. He then exposed himself periodically to the deadly fire in order to locate a concealed hostile pillbox. Discovering this Japanese emplacement, he skillfully and courageously directed a machine gun squad into an advantageous position from which superior fire power soon destroyed the hostile resistance. Sergeant Forte’s aggressive action and superior leadership enabled the remainder of his platoon to work forward into suitable firing positions to support the attack of the balance of the company. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Forte, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.